When a state has sovereignty, that means it makes its own decisions without consent from a higher power.
Under popular sovereignty, decisions about slavery would be made by the settlers in a territory. There were different viewpoints about when the decision should be made; some felt the decision shouldn't be decided until a territory was approaching statehood, while others wanted it to be decided earlier.
Popular sovereignty is a contradiction in terms since all true sovereignty can be considered popular and as such, no one can be "in charge". the people. -Apex
Under popular sovereignty, the residents of the territory would ultimately decide whether slavery would be allowed. This principle meant that the people living in a particular territory would determine their own laws and institutions, including the decision on the legality of slavery.
Popular sovereignty is exercised directly through mechanisms like referendums and initiatives, allowing citizens to vote directly on specific issues or laws. Indirectly, it is exercised through representative democracy, where citizens elect officials to make decisions on their behalf, as outlined in the Constitution. Additionally, the Constitution establishes checks and balances that ensure elected representatives remain accountable to the electorate, reinforcing the principle of popular sovereignty.
There really is no difference between popular sovereignty and separation of powers. The only difference is that popular sovereignty falls under the separation of powers. With the latter, powers are allocated to local, state, regional, national, and federal authorities. Popular sovereignty is a state power, which allows states to pass certain laws and amendments based on their specific needs.
The Great Debate. I think.. (New respondent) Popular Sovereignty
popular sovereignty
Utah and New Mexico
Utah and New Mexico
Popular Sovereignty
Under popular sovereignty, the decision on whether slavery would be allowed in a territory is typically made by the residents of that territory through a vote or referendum. This allows the people living in the area to determine the status of slavery based on majority rule.